THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Cal Lutheran men's soccer has found their new head coach. After 25 years, Dan Kuntz is humbly stepping down and Miguel Ruiz will take the reins. A native of Simi Valley, Calif., Ruiz has been coaching both men's and women's soccer for about 10 years.

"Words cannot describe how excited and honored I am for the opportunity," Ruiz said. "I am looking forward to getting started and continuing the legacy that Dan created."

Ruiz was born in Colombia and moved to Simi Valley when he was nine years old. He grew up with soccer, referring to it as a "way of life" even. It only made sense to turn this passion and love for the game into a career in coaching.

After playing two years at Moorpark College where he ran the defensive back line, Ruiz moved to Kansas where he was an assistant coach at Kansas Wesleyan and worked with both the men's and women's team. His successful seasons helped guide the Coyotes to conference titles in 2007 and 2008; where the women's team also qualified for the NAIA National Tournament for the first time in program history. He also received his Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education from Kansas Wesleyan and pursued a Master's Degree in Sports Management from Southern New Hampshire.

Ruiz then came back to Calif., and became a member of the Cal State Northridge Women's soccer staff in 2009. His first year there he volunteered his time, but the years to follow he became a full-time assistant coach. Ruiz was in charge of developing training regiments and other administrative responsibilities. He returned to Moorpark College, in 2015, as the head coach for the women's soccer team.

As a strong believer of hard work equals results, "Good things are going to happen to those who work hard," said Ruiz. "When a team works hard, they are hard to beat and I truly believe in that."

Ruiz is thankful for the opportunity and knows he has big shoes to fill. He is set to officially start in January and Ruiz cannot wait to begin his work as the new head coach for the Kingsmen.

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Release by Nicki Tetherow, Assistant Sports Information Director